Dental handpiece – maintenance, contamination control and sterilization

Dental handpiece is one of the indispensible instruments in dental office required for the efficient accomplishment of a multitude of dental procedures like cavity preparation, tooth preparation for esthetic and prosthodontic procedures, polishing and prophylaxis, implant site preparation and placement. Adherence of dentist to the maintenance and sterilization protocols of handpieces has become inevitable not only to ensure their efficient functioning and longevity but also to prevent cross-infection and cross contamination amongst dentists and patients. This paper discusses principles of handpiece maintenance and methods available for effective sterilization in general dental practice.